Refine Compliance for Cultural Resource Adaptation (U.S. NPS)

TL/DR –

The National Park Service (NPS) plans to develop efficient compliance pathways for routine adaptation actions to counter climate change impacts on cultural resources. It also plans to fund a role that will act as the NPS Liaison to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act provides the NPS with a historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs.

Inflation Reduction Act: Resilience | FY23 1,450,000

The National Park Service (NPS) is addressing climate change impacts on cultural resources. It plans to create efficient compliance pathways for routine adaptation actions and fund a position for a Liaison to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. This move aims to streamline cultural resources compliance processes under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Why? The NPS acknowledges the accelerating impacts of climate change on cultural resources. Vulnerability assessments underline the need for efficient adaptation actions. With climate change-specific compliance alternatives, the NPS can proceed with many treatments following an expedited review, enhancing project execution efficiency.

What Else? The NPS may need to relocate historic structures, rebury archaeological sites, or accept the loss of cultural resources that cannot be preserved in the long term due to climate change.

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